From Your Man In India (YMII) to GetFriday: A.J. Jacobs’ journey from ‘then’ to ‘now’ of outsourcing

When A.J. Jacobs wrote about Your Man In India in his article My Outsourced Life almost twelve years ago, he said, “I REALLY SHOULDN’T HAVE to write this article myself,” playfully flaunting his newly-found solace with outsourcing. Starting a valuable relationship with YMII’s (Your Man in India) virtual assistance back then, A.J. Jacobs found peace of mind by outsourcing his personal life. YMII, before handing over its virtual assistant services to GetFriday, offered remote executive assistants to handle personal tasks as per the requirement of clients. In this case, the client was A.J. Jacobs, a proficient writer for Esquire Magazine, who wanted an extra helping hand to tackle his everyday personal tasks.   Working or rather living with a virtual assistant for more than a decade helped him  acknowledge his good decision. In fact, this was what he asked for when he first approached YMII. “I would like to hire a talented person or people in India to take care of as many of my life tasks as possible. I would be interested in having someone to answer my calls or emails. Nothing would benefit me unlike a remote executive assistant”. The virtual assistance providing organization tried to plan out how to fulfill Jacobs’ requirements, as he was literally trying to outsource his personal life to a company in India. The year was 2005, and it was tricky to implement the process as nobody had tried anything like that before. However, the team decided to go forward with the experiment and soon it proved to be a huge success. At first, one YMII(Now called as GetFriday)virtual assistant was assigned to help Jacobs over a couple of months and a few slips here and there did happen. The cultural differences sometimes proved a bit difficult to sort out, but as days progressed, both the parties got along well. Wondering how to choose a virtual assistant? All you need to do is look for 8 soft skills. In the first mail regarding work, Jacobs had mentioned that if everything went well, he would do the publicity for the company through his magazine, Esquire. Soon enough, as a couple of months passed by, Jacobs was truly pleased with YMII. His article, featuring YMII, was published in September 2005 on Good Morning America, the American morning television show. It was on this note that GetFriday surfaced as a new separate brand and started to provide impeccable virtual assistance to anyone who needed it. Moreover, as Jacobs saw the creative and extreme functional capabilities of the virtual assistants at handling tasks from overseas, he bonded more with the company. Asha and Naveen were his VAs who helped him perform his everyday tasks like answering morning mails, effectively handling unwanted invitations, even ordering birthday gifts for his wife. Here are six things even you MUST outsource to a virtual assistant. Jacobs felt he was living with his family who understood him really well. They were also like a constant support system, giving him positive feedback on every task he did. He found solace as he outsourced his personal life as he had ample time to reflect upon his career, goals and passion. For more on A.J. Jacobs’ life and his nine extraordinary experiments on himself, please check out his brilliant book, My Experimental Life “It’s very strange to have people working for you while you are asleep. But it’s great. It’s not a time waste while I am drooling on my pillow; everything is getting done,” he said. In fact, in a video shot almost 11 years later, Jacobs congratulates GetFriday for their well deserved success, and playfully points out that if he would have asked one of his assistants at GetFriday to make the video, it would have been done sooner and much better.  

From Your Man In India (YMII) to GetFriday: A.J. Jacobs’ journey from ‘then’ to ‘now’ of outsourcing Read More »

When A.J. Jacobs wrote about Your Man In India in his article My Outsourced Life almost twelve years ago, he said, “I REALLY SHOULDN’T HAVE to write this article myself,” playfully flaunting his newly-found solace with outsourcing. Starting a valuable relationship with YMII’s (Your Man in India) virtual assistance back then, A.J. Jacobs found peace of mind by outsourcing his personal life. YMII, before handing over its virtual assistant services to GetFriday, offered remote executive assistants to handle personal tasks as per the requirement of clients. In this case, the client was A.J. Jacobs, a proficient writer for Esquire Magazine, who wanted an extra helping hand to tackle his everyday personal tasks.   Working or rather living with a virtual assistant for more than a decade helped him  acknowledge his good decision. In fact, this was what he asked for when he first approached YMII. “I would like to hire a talented person or people in India to take care of as many of my life tasks as possible. I would be interested in having someone to answer my calls or emails. Nothing would benefit me unlike a remote executive assistant”. The virtual assistance providing organization tried to plan out how to fulfill Jacobs’ requirements, as he was literally trying to outsource his personal life to a company in India. The year was 2005, and it was tricky to implement the process as nobody had tried anything like that before. However, the team decided to go forward with the experiment and soon it proved to be a huge success. At first, one YMII(Now called as GetFriday)virtual assistant was assigned to help Jacobs over a couple of months and a few slips here and there did happen. The cultural differences sometimes proved a bit difficult to sort out, but as days progressed, both the parties got along well. Wondering how to choose a virtual assistant? All you need to do is look for 8 soft skills. In the first mail regarding work, Jacobs had mentioned that if everything went well, he would do the publicity for the company through his magazine, Esquire. Soon enough, as a couple of months passed by, Jacobs was truly pleased with YMII. His article, featuring YMII, was published in September 2005 on Good Morning America, the American morning television show. It was on this note that GetFriday surfaced as a new separate brand and started to provide impeccable virtual assistance to anyone who needed it. Moreover, as Jacobs saw the creative and extreme functional capabilities of the virtual assistants at handling tasks from overseas, he bonded more with the company. Asha and Naveen were his VAs who helped him perform his everyday tasks like answering morning mails, effectively handling unwanted invitations, even ordering birthday gifts for his wife. Here are six things even you MUST outsource to a virtual assistant. Jacobs felt he was living with his family who understood him really well. They were also like a constant support system, giving him positive feedback on every task he did. He found solace as he outsourced his personal life as he had ample time to reflect upon his career, goals and passion. For more on A.J. Jacobs’ life and his nine extraordinary experiments on himself, please check out his brilliant book, My Experimental Life “It’s very strange to have people working for you while you are asleep. But it’s great. It’s not a time waste while I am drooling on my pillow; everything is getting done,” he said. In fact, in a video shot almost 11 years later, Jacobs congratulates GetFriday for their well deserved success, and playfully points out that if he would have asked one of his assistants at GetFriday to make the video, it would have been done sooner and much better.  

Startup Virtual Assistant Case Study: How Blisstil Reduced Admin Costs by 15% & Saved 20+ Hours Weekly

For startups preparing for product launches, every dollar and every hour matters. Blisstil, a consumer electronics company developing over-ear noise-cancelling sleep headphones, faced a critical decision: hire expensive in-house staff or find a flexible, cost-effective solution that could scale with growth. Founder Oliver Masson chose GetFriday’s virtual assistant services—reducing administrative costs by 15% while successfully supporting the launch of a complex hardware product. Results at a Glance 15% cost savings vs. hiring in-house staff 20+ hours per week saved by the core team Successful crowdfunding campaign supported by responsive customer communication SEO and social media improvements implemented ahead of launch Scalable operations without increasing fixed costs   Client Background Blisstil is a consumer electronics company developing over-ear noise-cancelling sleep headphones, managing the product from design through to manufacturing and global distribution. The company focuses on solving real-world sleep challenges—such as noise from snoring partners, travel environments, and urban living—through purpose-built hardware combining active and passive noise reduction. During the critical pre-launch phase, founder Oliver Masson needed reliable administrative and operational support, but hiring full-time staff would have added significant fixed costs and reduced flexibility. Startup Reality Check Early-stage startups need to stay lean. Full-time hires create fixed overhead and long-term commitments, while virtual assistants provide flexible, on-demand support that adapts to the business as it grows. The Startup Challenge Manual Admin Overload – Customer support, social media engagement, and launch coordination were taking up valuable time that should have been spent on product development, supplier coordination, and strategy. High Cost of In-House Hiring – Hiring full-time staff would have cost $60,000–$80,000 annually when factoring in salary, benefits, equipment, and onboarding. Limited Bandwidth –  As a small team preparing for a hardware launch, operational demands were increasing faster than internal capacity. The GetFriday Solution Customer Support Management – A dedicated virtual assistant handled growing volumes of inquiries across email, social media, and crowdfunding platforms—ensuring fast, professional, and consistent communication. Proactive Marketing Support – Beyond handling inbound requests, the VA contributed to social media strategy and conducted an SEO audit to strengthen positioning ahead of launch. Campaign Support – During the crowdfunding campaign, the VA supported backer communication, answered product questions, and maintained engagement—helping ensure a smooth experience for customers. Seamless Integration – GetFriday implemented structured workflows using tools like Trello and Slack, allowing the VA to integrate efficiently into existing operations. Cost Comparison: VA vs. Full-Time Employee Full-Time Employee Base Salary: $40,000–$50,000 Benefits: $10,000–$15,000 Office & Equipment: $5,000–$10,000 Recruitment & Onboarding: $5,000+ Total: $60,000–$80,000 annually GetFriday Virtual Assistant Flexible hourly or monthly pricing No benefits or office costs No recruitment overhead Pay only for productive hours Result: ~15% cost savings with significantly greater flexibility The Results 15% Cost Savings – Blisstil reduced administrative costs while maintaining high-quality support. 20+ Hours Saved Weekly – Time previously spent on admin tasks was redirected toward product development, manufacturing coordination, and go-to-market strategy. Successful Product Launch – Consistent and professional communication contributed to a successful crowdfunding campaign. Improved Market Positioning – SEO and social media improvements increased visibility in a competitive category. Scalable Operations – Blisstil built systems that support growth without adding unnecessary overhead. Client Testimonial “I’ve had the pleasure of working with GetFriday, and I couldn’t be happier with the service provided by their team. The assistants have been exceptional, ensuring that all my virtual assistant needs are handled with efficiency and professionalism. Their proactive communication and attention to detail have made a noticeable difference in my daily workflow. I highly recommend GetFriday to anyone looking for a reliable and capable virtual assistant partner.” — Oliver Masson, Founder of Blisstil Startup Founder’s Guide: When to Hire Your First VA Week 1–2: You’re spending 10+ hours per week on admin tasks Week 3–4: Customer support demand is growing but hiring isn’t justified Month 2+: You’re turning down opportunities due to lack of bandwidth If any of these apply, it’s time to consider virtual assistant support. Key Takeaway for Startups Virtual assistants aren’t just about reducing costs—they’re about freeing up time to focus on what truly drives growth. For hardware startups in particular, this flexibility can be the difference between a smooth product launch and operational overload. Ready to Scale Your Startup Efficiently? Discover how much time and cost you could save with virtual assistant support. Schedule a free consultation to receive a tailored plan for your business.

Startup Virtual Assistant Case Study: How Blisstil Reduced Admin Costs by 15% & Saved 20+ Hours Weekly Read More »

For startups preparing for product launches, every dollar and every hour matters. Blisstil, a consumer electronics company developing over-ear noise-cancelling sleep headphones, faced a critical decision: hire expensive in-house staff or find a flexible, cost-effective solution that could scale with growth. Founder Oliver Masson chose GetFriday’s virtual assistant services—reducing administrative costs by 15% while successfully supporting the launch of a complex hardware product. Results at a Glance 15% cost savings vs. hiring in-house staff 20+ hours per week saved by the core team Successful crowdfunding campaign supported by responsive customer communication SEO and social media improvements implemented ahead of launch Scalable operations without increasing fixed costs   Client Background Blisstil is a consumer electronics company developing over-ear noise-cancelling sleep headphones, managing the product from design through to manufacturing and global distribution. The company focuses on solving real-world sleep challenges—such as noise from snoring partners, travel environments, and urban living—through purpose-built hardware combining active and passive noise reduction. During the critical pre-launch phase, founder Oliver Masson needed reliable administrative and operational support, but hiring full-time staff would have added significant fixed costs and reduced flexibility. Startup Reality Check Early-stage startups need to stay lean. Full-time hires create fixed overhead and long-term commitments, while virtual assistants provide flexible, on-demand support that adapts to the business as it grows. The Startup Challenge Manual Admin Overload – Customer support, social media engagement, and launch coordination were taking up valuable time that should have been spent on product development, supplier coordination, and strategy. High Cost of In-House Hiring – Hiring full-time staff would have cost $60,000–$80,000 annually when factoring in salary, benefits, equipment, and onboarding. Limited Bandwidth –  As a small team preparing for a hardware launch, operational demands were increasing faster than internal capacity. The GetFriday Solution Customer Support Management – A dedicated virtual assistant handled growing volumes of inquiries across email, social media, and crowdfunding platforms—ensuring fast, professional, and consistent communication. Proactive Marketing Support – Beyond handling inbound requests, the VA contributed to social media strategy and conducted an SEO audit to strengthen positioning ahead of launch. Campaign Support – During the crowdfunding campaign, the VA supported backer communication, answered product questions, and maintained engagement—helping ensure a smooth experience for customers. Seamless Integration – GetFriday implemented structured workflows using tools like Trello and Slack, allowing the VA to integrate efficiently into existing operations. Cost Comparison: VA vs. Full-Time Employee Full-Time Employee Base Salary: $40,000–$50,000 Benefits: $10,000–$15,000 Office & Equipment: $5,000–$10,000 Recruitment & Onboarding: $5,000+ Total: $60,000–$80,000 annually GetFriday Virtual Assistant Flexible hourly or monthly pricing No benefits or office costs No recruitment overhead Pay only for productive hours Result: ~15% cost savings with significantly greater flexibility The Results 15% Cost Savings – Blisstil reduced administrative costs while maintaining high-quality support. 20+ Hours Saved Weekly – Time previously spent on admin tasks was redirected toward product development, manufacturing coordination, and go-to-market strategy. Successful Product Launch – Consistent and professional communication contributed to a successful crowdfunding campaign. Improved Market Positioning – SEO and social media improvements increased visibility in a competitive category. Scalable Operations – Blisstil built systems that support growth without adding unnecessary overhead. Client Testimonial “I’ve had the pleasure of working with GetFriday, and I couldn’t be happier with the service provided by their team. The assistants have been exceptional, ensuring that all my virtual assistant needs are handled with efficiency and professionalism. Their proactive communication and attention to detail have made a noticeable difference in my daily workflow. I highly recommend GetFriday to anyone looking for a reliable and capable virtual assistant partner.” — Oliver Masson, Founder of Blisstil Startup Founder’s Guide: When to Hire Your First VA Week 1–2: You’re spending 10+ hours per week on admin tasks Week 3–4: Customer support demand is growing but hiring isn’t justified Month 2+: You’re turning down opportunities due to lack of bandwidth If any of these apply, it’s time to consider virtual assistant support. Key Takeaway for Startups Virtual assistants aren’t just about reducing costs—they’re about freeing up time to focus on what truly drives growth. For hardware startups in particular, this flexibility can be the difference between a smooth product launch and operational overload. Ready to Scale Your Startup Efficiently? Discover how much time and cost you could save with virtual assistant support. Schedule a free consultation to receive a tailored plan for your business.

How Human Virtual Assistants Are Leveraging AI Tools: A 10-Year Success Story with Josephine Ison

What happens when you combine AI’s efficiency with human creativity and oversight? You get the best of both worlds—and that’s exactly what GetFriday delivered for Josephine Ison’s entertainment empire. Over 10 years of partnership, we’ve evolved from traditional virtual assistance to AI-powered content creation that maintains the authentic human touch her brands are known for. Results at a Glance • 10 years of continuous partnership (2015-2025) • Consistent content output across 3 businesses • 15+ hours saved monthly on content creation • Maintained authentic brand voice across all platforms • Improved audience engagement through strategic AI-human collaboration  Client Background Josephine Ison is the Director and Vocalist of Event Entertainers (NSW, Australia), a company specializing in live music for corporate events, weddings, and special occasions. She also leads Nouvelle Glass (personalized engraved glassware) and Duke Music (premier live music collective). Managing multiple creative businesses while also performing requires exceptional time management—and that’s where GetFriday became indispensable. CREATIVE INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Content creators and performers face unique challenges: their value comes from creativity and personal brand, yet they need consistent marketing presence. AI tools enable content generation at scale while human VAs ensure quality and brand alignment. The Challenge Time Constraints: Performing at events, managing bookings, and running three businesses left minimal time for content creation. Content Consistency: Maintaining regular blog posts, social media updates, and email newsletters across multiple brands was overwhelming. Resource Limitations: As a creative professional, Josephine needed marketing support that understood her brand voice and could execute independently. The AI + Human Solution GetFriday implemented an innovative AI-powered workflow that combines ChatGPT’s capabilities with human editorial oversight: Blog Post Creation: AI generates initial drafts showcasing past events and industry insights. Human VA refines for brand voice, adds personal touches, and ensures accuracy. Social Media Management: ChatGPT creates caption variations for Instagram and Facebook. VA selects best options, adapts timing, and schedules strategically. Newsletter Development: AI drafts personalized newsletters about upcoming events. Human review ensures tone matches Josephine’s warm, professional style. Brand Consistency: Every AI-generated piece is reviewed and refined by GetFriday’s team to maintain authenticity and professionalism. Why AI Alone Isn’t Enough: While AI tools like ChatGPT are powerful, they lack: • Understanding of brand nuance and voice evolution • Context about specific events, clients, and industry relationships • Quality control to catch errors or off-brand content • Strategic thinking about content timing and audience engagement GetFriday’s approach: AI generation → Human refinement → Client approval. This workflow delivers efficiency without sacrificing quality. The Results Efficiency: Content creation time reduced by 70%, freeing Josephine for strategic decisions and business growth. Consistency: Regular publishing maintained across all platforms—blogs updated weekly, social posts daily, newsletters monthly. Engagement: Well-crafted content improved audience interaction and strengthened client relationships. 10-Year Partnership: The relationship has evolved from basic admin support to sophisticated AI-powered content strategy.   Client Testimonial “I’ve had the team at GetFriday working with me for almost ten years. They’ve assisted with pretty much every part of my businesses—marketing, social media, web development, research, admin, travel, and personal organization. I firmly believe working closely with the team has helped them help me and made my life easier in every way, giving me more time to grow my businesses. Thank you to everyone in the Team, especially Aamira and Keerthana! I hope I can one day meet you in person to thank you.”  — Josephine Ison    Key Takeaway The future of virtual assistance isn’t human OR AI—it’s human AND AI. GetFriday’s model combines AI efficiency with human judgment, delivering content that’s both scalable and authentic. This approach works especially well for creative professionals who need consistent output without losing their unique voice. Ready to Experience AI-Powered Virtual Assistance? Discover the Human + AI Advantage Schedule a consultation to learn how GetFriday’s AI-powered virtual assistants can transform your content creation while maintaining your authentic brand voice.

How Human Virtual Assistants Are Leveraging AI Tools: A 10-Year Success Story with Josephine Ison Read More »

What happens when you combine AI’s efficiency with human creativity and oversight? You get the best of both worlds—and that’s exactly what GetFriday delivered for Josephine Ison’s entertainment empire. Over 10 years of partnership, we’ve evolved from traditional virtual assistance to AI-powered content creation that maintains the authentic human touch her brands are known for. Results at a Glance • 10 years of continuous partnership (2015-2025) • Consistent content output across 3 businesses • 15+ hours saved monthly on content creation • Maintained authentic brand voice across all platforms • Improved audience engagement through strategic AI-human collaboration  Client Background Josephine Ison is the Director and Vocalist of Event Entertainers (NSW, Australia), a company specializing in live music for corporate events, weddings, and special occasions. She also leads Nouvelle Glass (personalized engraved glassware) and Duke Music (premier live music collective). Managing multiple creative businesses while also performing requires exceptional time management—and that’s where GetFriday became indispensable. CREATIVE INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Content creators and performers face unique challenges: their value comes from creativity and personal brand, yet they need consistent marketing presence. AI tools enable content generation at scale while human VAs ensure quality and brand alignment. The Challenge Time Constraints: Performing at events, managing bookings, and running three businesses left minimal time for content creation. Content Consistency: Maintaining regular blog posts, social media updates, and email newsletters across multiple brands was overwhelming. Resource Limitations: As a creative professional, Josephine needed marketing support that understood her brand voice and could execute independently. The AI + Human Solution GetFriday implemented an innovative AI-powered workflow that combines ChatGPT’s capabilities with human editorial oversight: Blog Post Creation: AI generates initial drafts showcasing past events and industry insights. Human VA refines for brand voice, adds personal touches, and ensures accuracy. Social Media Management: ChatGPT creates caption variations for Instagram and Facebook. VA selects best options, adapts timing, and schedules strategically. Newsletter Development: AI drafts personalized newsletters about upcoming events. Human review ensures tone matches Josephine’s warm, professional style. Brand Consistency: Every AI-generated piece is reviewed and refined by GetFriday’s team to maintain authenticity and professionalism. Why AI Alone Isn’t Enough: While AI tools like ChatGPT are powerful, they lack: • Understanding of brand nuance and voice evolution • Context about specific events, clients, and industry relationships • Quality control to catch errors or off-brand content • Strategic thinking about content timing and audience engagement GetFriday’s approach: AI generation → Human refinement → Client approval. This workflow delivers efficiency without sacrificing quality. The Results Efficiency: Content creation time reduced by 70%, freeing Josephine for strategic decisions and business growth. Consistency: Regular publishing maintained across all platforms—blogs updated weekly, social posts daily, newsletters monthly. Engagement: Well-crafted content improved audience interaction and strengthened client relationships. 10-Year Partnership: The relationship has evolved from basic admin support to sophisticated AI-powered content strategy.   Client Testimonial “I’ve had the team at GetFriday working with me for almost ten years. They’ve assisted with pretty much every part of my businesses—marketing, social media, web development, research, admin, travel, and personal organization. I firmly believe working closely with the team has helped them help me and made my life easier in every way, giving me more time to grow my businesses. Thank you to everyone in the Team, especially Aamira and Keerthana! I hope I can one day meet you in person to thank you.”  — Josephine Ison    Key Takeaway The future of virtual assistance isn’t human OR AI—it’s human AND AI. GetFriday’s model combines AI efficiency with human judgment, delivering content that’s both scalable and authentic. This approach works especially well for creative professionals who need consistent output without losing their unique voice. Ready to Experience AI-Powered Virtual Assistance? Discover the Human + AI Advantage Schedule a consultation to learn how GetFriday’s AI-powered virtual assistants can transform your content creation while maintaining your authentic brand voice.

Success Story: Supporting NAVIN’s IT Services with Historical Bookkeeping

Success Story: Supporting NAVIN’s IT Services with Historical Bookkeeping

Client Background: NAVIN’s IT Services (Anaheim, California), an ambitious entrepreneur running an IT services business, encountered significant challenges in managing his financial records. Over time, his books of accounts had become scattered and were not maintained adequately, making it difficult to reconcile accounts and comply with tax regulations. Realizing the need for professional assistance, NAVIN sought our historical bookkeeping services.  Challenges Encountered: NAVIN faced numerous difficulties with his financial records, including:  Unbalanced bank accounts, credit card accounts, and loan accounts.  Errors in balance sheet ledgers such as Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.  The mingling of personal transactions with business finances.  Untracked activity in his investment accounts.  These complications not only posed risks for compliance but also impacted financial clarity and decision-making.  Our Approach: We diligently worked to address NAVIN’s bookkeeping challenges, focusing on:  Error Correction: Identifying and rectifying inaccuracies from previous years.  Reconciliation: Balancing all financial accounts to ensure accuracy.  Compliance Alignment: Organizing NAVIN’s records in accordance with accounting standards and tax regulations.  Through consistent communication and attention to detail, we successfully brought order to NAVIN’s financial records.  Results Achieved: Following the completion of our historical bookkeeping services, NAVIN’s business benefited greatly:  Accurate Financial Records: His books are now error-free, giving him confidence in their accuracy.  Compliance with Tax Regulations: Properly organized records ensure that NAVIN remains fully compliant.  Improved Decision-Making: Comprehensive reports provide valuable insights into his business performance.  Enhanced Cash Flow Management: Reconciled accounts enable better tracking and forecasting of cash flow.  Tax Advantages: Previously overlooked deductions were uncovered, resulting in tangible savings.  Peace of Mind: NAVIN no longer worries about his historical financial records.  Time Efficiency: With his records in order, NAVIN can now devote his energy to growing his business.  Client Feedback: “I am extremely grateful for the historical bookkeeping services I received. The team’s meticulous approach and clear communication gave me clarity and peace of mind. My financial records are now in excellent shape, and I feel confident moving forward. This service has been invaluable!”  This story demonstrates the importance of historical bookkeeping in resolving past financial challenges while setting the stage for future success. It’s always a pleasure to support dedicated professionals like NAVIN!  Ready to experience the same peace of mind Navin found with GetFriday? Contact us today to see how our Bookkeeping services can support your business growth and free you to focus on what matters most.  

Success Story: Supporting NAVIN’s IT Services with Historical Bookkeeping Read More »

Client Background: NAVIN’s IT Services (Anaheim, California), an ambitious entrepreneur running an IT services business, encountered significant challenges in managing his financial records. Over time, his books of accounts had become scattered and were not maintained adequately, making it difficult to reconcile accounts and comply with tax regulations. Realizing the need for professional assistance, NAVIN sought our historical bookkeeping services.  Challenges Encountered: NAVIN faced numerous difficulties with his financial records, including:  Unbalanced bank accounts, credit card accounts, and loan accounts.  Errors in balance sheet ledgers such as Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.  The mingling of personal transactions with business finances.  Untracked activity in his investment accounts.  These complications not only posed risks for compliance but also impacted financial clarity and decision-making.  Our Approach: We diligently worked to address NAVIN’s bookkeeping challenges, focusing on:  Error Correction: Identifying and rectifying inaccuracies from previous years.  Reconciliation: Balancing all financial accounts to ensure accuracy.  Compliance Alignment: Organizing NAVIN’s records in accordance with accounting standards and tax regulations.  Through consistent communication and attention to detail, we successfully brought order to NAVIN’s financial records.  Results Achieved: Following the completion of our historical bookkeeping services, NAVIN’s business benefited greatly:  Accurate Financial Records: His books are now error-free, giving him confidence in their accuracy.  Compliance with Tax Regulations: Properly organized records ensure that NAVIN remains fully compliant.  Improved Decision-Making: Comprehensive reports provide valuable insights into his business performance.  Enhanced Cash Flow Management: Reconciled accounts enable better tracking and forecasting of cash flow.  Tax Advantages: Previously overlooked deductions were uncovered, resulting in tangible savings.  Peace of Mind: NAVIN no longer worries about his historical financial records.  Time Efficiency: With his records in order, NAVIN can now devote his energy to growing his business.  Client Feedback: “I am extremely grateful for the historical bookkeeping services I received. The team’s meticulous approach and clear communication gave me clarity and peace of mind. My financial records are now in excellent shape, and I feel confident moving forward. This service has been invaluable!”  This story demonstrates the importance of historical bookkeeping in resolving past financial challenges while setting the stage for future success. It’s always a pleasure to support dedicated professionals like NAVIN!  Ready to experience the same peace of mind Navin found with GetFriday? Contact us today to see how our Bookkeeping services can support your business growth and free you to focus on what matters most.  

How is AI Transforming Human Virtual Assistance?

How is AI Transforming Human Virtual Assistance?

In a recent conversation with Sunder P, CEO of GetFriday, Nishant Kapoor (Productivity Coach and Consultant) in UK discussed how AI is reshaping the landscape of human virtual assistant tasks. Nishant highlighted that AI tools are highly efficient for automating research, summarizing information, and repurposing content—tasks that traditionally required significant human effort. Instead of manually searching for information, AI can now fetch, compile, and present insights almost instantly. However, Nishant also emphasized that while AI is a game-changer for repetitive and structured tasks, it still falls short when it comes to handling complex, multi-step processes that require critical thinking, decision-making, and adaptability. Tasks involving extensive back-and-forth communication, nuanced problem-solving, and strategic execution continue to rely heavily on human assistants. Rather than replacing human VAs, AI is becoming a complementary tool, allowing assistants to focus on higher-value activities that demand judgment, emotional intelligence, and personalization. GetFriday is training its assistant to use AI tools effectively to optimize work outcomes for its clients. So you get the power of AI with the guard rails of human due diligence. Video Transcript (Nishant Kapoor)  Nishant: I definitely think I would say that a lot of my. research right, I can ask AI, you know, for example, anything I need to find out instead of doing a Google search.  I mean, I would use message for doing the Google search, summarizing the results and giving me a document.  That is something that;  like a perplexity can do instantly. I just started using for that for repurposing.  I don’t use AI for writing content. I think it doesn’t do a good job. I’ve tried it, but for repurposing content I think AI is a great tool. This is something that I think I human you know it’s inevitable that human assistance will be replaced with AI assistance for some of these tasks, but  I think.  More complex tasks…  There are more complex tasks. I think there is a gap between what a person should;  a productive, effective person should be focused on doing themselves and what they should be delegating to an assistant. And then when you delegate to that assistant and then there’s they could be delegating to an AI assistant. I still think there’s a huge opportunity of tasks for (human) assistants to do. Especially sequential tasks, multi –step tasks that there’s a lot of back and forth involved.  I definitely think human assistance will still continue to be very valuable.  GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

How is AI Transforming Human Virtual Assistance? Read More »

In a recent conversation with Sunder P, CEO of GetFriday, Nishant Kapoor (Productivity Coach and Consultant) in UK discussed how AI is reshaping the landscape of human virtual assistant tasks. Nishant highlighted that AI tools are highly efficient for automating research, summarizing information, and repurposing content—tasks that traditionally required significant human effort. Instead of manually searching for information, AI can now fetch, compile, and present insights almost instantly. However, Nishant also emphasized that while AI is a game-changer for repetitive and structured tasks, it still falls short when it comes to handling complex, multi-step processes that require critical thinking, decision-making, and adaptability. Tasks involving extensive back-and-forth communication, nuanced problem-solving, and strategic execution continue to rely heavily on human assistants. Rather than replacing human VAs, AI is becoming a complementary tool, allowing assistants to focus on higher-value activities that demand judgment, emotional intelligence, and personalization. GetFriday is training its assistant to use AI tools effectively to optimize work outcomes for its clients. So you get the power of AI with the guard rails of human due diligence. Video Transcript (Nishant Kapoor)  Nishant: I definitely think I would say that a lot of my. research right, I can ask AI, you know, for example, anything I need to find out instead of doing a Google search.  I mean, I would use message for doing the Google search, summarizing the results and giving me a document.  That is something that;  like a perplexity can do instantly. I just started using for that for repurposing.  I don’t use AI for writing content. I think it doesn’t do a good job. I’ve tried it, but for repurposing content I think AI is a great tool. This is something that I think I human you know it’s inevitable that human assistance will be replaced with AI assistance for some of these tasks, but  I think.  More complex tasks…  There are more complex tasks. I think there is a gap between what a person should;  a productive, effective person should be focused on doing themselves and what they should be delegating to an assistant. And then when you delegate to that assistant and then there’s they could be delegating to an AI assistant. I still think there’s a huge opportunity of tasks for (human) assistants to do. Especially sequential tasks, multi –step tasks that there’s a lot of back and forth involved.  I definitely think human assistance will still continue to be very valuable.  GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

How I started small but quickly went on to use Virtual Assistance for all my businesses.

How I started small but quickly went on to use Virtual Assistance for all my businesses.

When Anton Bennink (Co-owner, Musclebrand, Netherlands) started with GetFriday, he had no idea how much of an impact it would have on his business. He began cautiously, opting for a 5 hour per month plan, just to test the waters of outsourcing. As someone who prefers working virtually and has no interest in managing a physical office, Anton wanted to keep his operations as lean and flexible as possible. Inspired by The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss and a mentor’s advice – “start outsourcing before you’re ready,” he took the leap. Initially delegating small tasks, Anton quickly saw the benefits of virtual assistance. Today, his usage has grown to 60 hours per month, supporting multiple aspects of his businesses. What began as an experiment has become a crucial part of his workflow proving that with the right support, scaling and efficiency go hand in hand. Video Transcript Anton Bennink: We started with Get Friday about a year ago and we started off with a package of five hours a month literally for me to just get the hang of, all right, how do I outsource things? The reason that I went for a virtual assistant is because I like to live virtually myself. I don’t really want to manage an office. Also the fulfillment for our web shop, I’m looking into outsourcing it. So like I want to kind of keep everything virtual. And I love to study. And I came across the four hour work week from Timothy Ferris. And he gave some suggestions and some ideas. And then I have another mentor in the back of my head that states, start outsourcing before you’re ready. So I did some research. I landed at Get Friday and I just got started. And with some simple things at the beginning, simple things to outsource. And now a year later, this from a package from five hours a month, I think now we use about 60 hours a month for all different surfaces throughout basically all my different companies. GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

How I started small but quickly went on to use Virtual Assistance for all my businesses. Read More »

When Anton Bennink (Co-owner, Musclebrand, Netherlands) started with GetFriday, he had no idea how much of an impact it would have on his business. He began cautiously, opting for a 5 hour per month plan, just to test the waters of outsourcing. As someone who prefers working virtually and has no interest in managing a physical office, Anton wanted to keep his operations as lean and flexible as possible. Inspired by The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss and a mentor’s advice – “start outsourcing before you’re ready,” he took the leap. Initially delegating small tasks, Anton quickly saw the benefits of virtual assistance. Today, his usage has grown to 60 hours per month, supporting multiple aspects of his businesses. What began as an experiment has become a crucial part of his workflow proving that with the right support, scaling and efficiency go hand in hand. Video Transcript Anton Bennink: We started with Get Friday about a year ago and we started off with a package of five hours a month literally for me to just get the hang of, all right, how do I outsource things? The reason that I went for a virtual assistant is because I like to live virtually myself. I don’t really want to manage an office. Also the fulfillment for our web shop, I’m looking into outsourcing it. So like I want to kind of keep everything virtual. And I love to study. And I came across the four hour work week from Timothy Ferris. And he gave some suggestions and some ideas. And then I have another mentor in the back of my head that states, start outsourcing before you’re ready. So I did some research. I landed at Get Friday and I just got started. And with some simple things at the beginning, simple things to outsource. And now a year later, this from a package from five hours a month, I think now we use about 60 hours a month for all different surfaces throughout basically all my different companies. GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

Clearing the Air - Apprehensions on Remote Work with a Virtual Assistant

Clearing the Air – Apprehensions on Remote Work with a Virtual Assistant

When you first hear about the idea of outsourcing your work to a virtual assistant on the other side of the world, it can sound too good to be true. That was exactly how Seppe Thys, Managing Director of Hamster Cleaning, felt when he first came across the concept. The idea of working just four hours a week, as described in Tim Ferriss’ book The 4-Hour Workweek, seemed unbelievable. But beyond the skepticism, there were also practical concerns. Seppe wondered how a virtual assistant could handle tasks in a different language and culture. Would it be strange to ask a remote assistant to book an appointment in Flanders (Flemish Region of Belgium) using English? However, Seppe realized that outsourcing goes beyond just making appointments. There were numerous other tasks that could be outsourced efficiently without language barrier. His experience highlights the importance of choosing the right tasks to outsource and embracing the potential of remote assistance. Video Transcript:  Sunder (GetFriday): Why did you have those apprehensions at the start? Is it because it was talking about a four hour work per week lifestyle design which seemed like thoroughly impossible or is it the apprehensions of sending off work to a far away place and not being able to meet the person face to face? Which of these apprehensions were playing on your mind when you did get started first time? Seppe Thys: Two things, It sounded unbelievable, that something like that is possible. So that’s the first thing because it’s very, well, it actually is unbelievable; four hour workweek and outsourcing your life to somebody at a very far distance away. Second thing is also a practical thing which encountered my mind is that’s okay, for somebody who is American; English is the native language. So you can; so I think Tim Ferriss in his book, he has some examples that he asks, for example, his personal assistant from Get Friday to book an appointment for him in a restaurant or whatsoever. Well, that is something of course, which is, it’s…I do not want to say not possible in Belgium or using another language, but it will be very weird that if I ask my PA to book an appointment for me in Flanders in English language. That’s a little bit weird. That was a little bit of a drawback to start with, but then I said, okay, there are…but there are many other things which can be outsourced besides making appointments and questions, of course. GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

Clearing the Air – Apprehensions on Remote Work with a Virtual Assistant Read More »

When you first hear about the idea of outsourcing your work to a virtual assistant on the other side of the world, it can sound too good to be true. That was exactly how Seppe Thys, Managing Director of Hamster Cleaning, felt when he first came across the concept. The idea of working just four hours a week, as described in Tim Ferriss’ book The 4-Hour Workweek, seemed unbelievable. But beyond the skepticism, there were also practical concerns. Seppe wondered how a virtual assistant could handle tasks in a different language and culture. Would it be strange to ask a remote assistant to book an appointment in Flanders (Flemish Region of Belgium) using English? However, Seppe realized that outsourcing goes beyond just making appointments. There were numerous other tasks that could be outsourced efficiently without language barrier. His experience highlights the importance of choosing the right tasks to outsource and embracing the potential of remote assistance. Video Transcript:  Sunder (GetFriday): Why did you have those apprehensions at the start? Is it because it was talking about a four hour work per week lifestyle design which seemed like thoroughly impossible or is it the apprehensions of sending off work to a far away place and not being able to meet the person face to face? Which of these apprehensions were playing on your mind when you did get started first time? Seppe Thys: Two things, It sounded unbelievable, that something like that is possible. So that’s the first thing because it’s very, well, it actually is unbelievable; four hour workweek and outsourcing your life to somebody at a very far distance away. Second thing is also a practical thing which encountered my mind is that’s okay, for somebody who is American; English is the native language. So you can; so I think Tim Ferriss in his book, he has some examples that he asks, for example, his personal assistant from Get Friday to book an appointment for him in a restaurant or whatsoever. Well, that is something of course, which is, it’s…I do not want to say not possible in Belgium or using another language, but it will be very weird that if I ask my PA to book an appointment for me in Flanders in English language. That’s a little bit weird. That was a little bit of a drawback to start with, but then I said, okay, there are…but there are many other things which can be outsourced besides making appointments and questions, of course. GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

Productivity Boost for Startup Founders with the GetFriday Virtual Assistant

Productivity Boost for Startup Founders with the GetFriday Virtual Assistant

“Virtual assistance can enhance your startup’s productivity” says Aike Müller, a startup founder of RMBG in Netherlands who has experienced firsthand the impact of such a service. Here in conversation with Sunder. P, CEO of GetFriday when posed with this question, “Has it helped you achieve a healthy work-life balance or has it actually made you more productive at work?”, Aike Müller’s honest response sheds light on the real-world benefits and limitations. For startup founders like Aike, where every day is packed to the brim, achieving a healthy work-life balance seems almost mythical. Yet, the introduction of a virtual assistant from GetFriday has allowed Aike to elevate that brim a little higher, enabling more tasks to be completed within the same tight timeframe. Aike candidly admits that while the virtual assistant doesn’t necessarily free up time for leisure activities like reading a book or taking a walk, it does enhance his overall productivity at work. This nuanced reflection highlights the tangible impact of virtual assistance on a busy startup founder’s life, offering a glimpse into how GetFriday plays a crucial role in managing the chaos and demands of modern work-life dynamics. Video Transcript (Aike Müller) Sunder (GetFriday, CEO): Has it helped you achieve a healthy work-life balance, or has it actually made you more productive at work? What is the impact that Get Friday has had on your life? Aike Müller: I think it is, I think productivity is, I think it’s your, yeah. I mean, especially as a startup founder, your day is filled up to the brim. And there, I mean, there’s no healthy work life balance, I guess. And the virtual assistant allows you to, to have the brim a little bit higher and to get more in a day. But it’s, yeah, it’s not necessarily that you, that I would read a book or do something or go for a walk in the time that the virtual assistant is executing a task. GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

Productivity Boost for Startup Founders with the GetFriday Virtual Assistant Read More »

“Virtual assistance can enhance your startup’s productivity” says Aike Müller, a startup founder of RMBG in Netherlands who has experienced firsthand the impact of such a service. Here in conversation with Sunder. P, CEO of GetFriday when posed with this question, “Has it helped you achieve a healthy work-life balance or has it actually made you more productive at work?”, Aike Müller’s honest response sheds light on the real-world benefits and limitations. For startup founders like Aike, where every day is packed to the brim, achieving a healthy work-life balance seems almost mythical. Yet, the introduction of a virtual assistant from GetFriday has allowed Aike to elevate that brim a little higher, enabling more tasks to be completed within the same tight timeframe. Aike candidly admits that while the virtual assistant doesn’t necessarily free up time for leisure activities like reading a book or taking a walk, it does enhance his overall productivity at work. This nuanced reflection highlights the tangible impact of virtual assistance on a busy startup founder’s life, offering a glimpse into how GetFriday plays a crucial role in managing the chaos and demands of modern work-life dynamics. Video Transcript (Aike Müller) Sunder (GetFriday, CEO): Has it helped you achieve a healthy work-life balance, or has it actually made you more productive at work? What is the impact that Get Friday has had on your life? Aike Müller: I think it is, I think productivity is, I think it’s your, yeah. I mean, especially as a startup founder, your day is filled up to the brim. And there, I mean, there’s no healthy work life balance, I guess. And the virtual assistant allows you to, to have the brim a little bit higher and to get more in a day. But it’s, yeah, it’s not necessarily that you, that I would read a book or do something or go for a walk in the time that the virtual assistant is executing a task. GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

Why Choose GetFriday for Virtual Assistance Over Upwork?

Why Choose GetFriday for Virtual Assistance Over Upwork?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, finding the right administrative support can make all the difference. Michael McGuigan, Managing Director at Nomadic Insights, USA acknowledges the advantages of choosing GetFriday’s virtual assistance over outsourcing platforms like Upwork or other freelancers. He highlights how GetFriday not only provides tailored support but also effectively mitigates the risks often associated with hiring freelancers, thus allowing him to work with a team that functions more like an integral part of his own staff. Listen to Michael’s insights about why GetFriday is the preferred choice for those seeking reliable virtual assistance. Video Transcript (Michael Mcguigan) “I would say that with Get Friday, it’s more of the continuity and actually having a team because the problem is, with an Upwork especially since their IPO and the changeovers, it’s more of like a staffing solution with contractors. With Get Friday, I think it’s like I’m looking more for a staff member, but I’m not looking to hire in India. So, I almost look at it as if I’m going to work with somebody in India you know. GetFriday takes away a lot of the risk of hiring, but I’m looking to work with somebody more full time and on more of a continual basis, who at least has a team behind them. Whereas I really view, you know, Upwork is I’m just hiring a freelancer. And it’s just an independent contractor.”   GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

Why Choose GetFriday for Virtual Assistance Over Upwork? Read More »

In today’s fast-paced business environment, finding the right administrative support can make all the difference. Michael McGuigan, Managing Director at Nomadic Insights, USA acknowledges the advantages of choosing GetFriday’s virtual assistance over outsourcing platforms like Upwork or other freelancers. He highlights how GetFriday not only provides tailored support but also effectively mitigates the risks often associated with hiring freelancers, thus allowing him to work with a team that functions more like an integral part of his own staff. Listen to Michael’s insights about why GetFriday is the preferred choice for those seeking reliable virtual assistance. Video Transcript (Michael Mcguigan) “I would say that with Get Friday, it’s more of the continuity and actually having a team because the problem is, with an Upwork especially since their IPO and the changeovers, it’s more of like a staffing solution with contractors. With Get Friday, I think it’s like I’m looking more for a staff member, but I’m not looking to hire in India. So, I almost look at it as if I’m going to work with somebody in India you know. GetFriday takes away a lot of the risk of hiring, but I’m looking to work with somebody more full time and on more of a continual basis, who at least has a team behind them. Whereas I really view, you know, Upwork is I’m just hiring a freelancer. And it’s just an independent contractor.”   GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

AI vs. Human Virtual Assistants: Why Empathy and Creativity Still Matters?

AI vs. Human Virtual Assistants: Why Empathy and Creativity Still Matters?

In a recent conversation with Kane Lam from Checksub, Sunder. P (CEO, GetFriday) shared insights on how the rise of AI is reshaping the world of virtual assistant services, highlighting both the benefits and limitations of these technological advancements. While AI (ChatGPT or Gemini (formerly Bard) have streamlined tasks like scheduling and content generation, it lacks the empathy and creativity that only humans can provide. As businesses increasingly adopt AI tools, the irreplaceable human touch in virtual assistance remains crucial for delivering personalized support and ensuring trustworthiness in data and content. The future of virtual assistance lies in blending AI’s efficiency with the value of human empathy, diligence and care.  (Kane Lam in Conversation with Sunder P, GetFriday) Video Transcript (Kane Lam Conversation with Sunder P, GetFriday)   Kane Lam (Checksub): How is AI impacting your business? How is AI impacting virtual assistance?    Sunder (GetFriday): Virtual assistance has come a long way over the last 20 years. There are a lot of things that we used to do that we don’t currently do because there are specialized services on the internet that can accomplish this. A lot of appointment scheduling, for example, calendly is there, you just send you open your calendar and I can fix an appointment. I don’t need anybody to actually do it on my behalf physically. So there are a lot of options that have come up which changes the dynamics of the services that we offer but I still feel that a human touch and there are certain things that cannot be substituted yet by artificial intelligence or any kind of machine learning or any kind of robot that can substitute a human person. So there is also in terms of virtual assistance and human support; there is a certain level of empathy that you display. You empathize, you are having a bad day at work and I am your assistant, I also understand that you are having a bad day at work. So I sort of adjust the way I converse, the way I ask for work or the way I ask you. There are days when you will really be excited and I might also share the same enthusiasm you don’t get that with AI. So working with a human person is totally different. But the range of tasks that have been coming in, like for example, AI has probably wiped out a lot of content writers because anybody can just go to Chat GPT or Bard (now Gemini) and say, “Hey, write me a short article on this subject but the problem there is that it will probably churn out exact replicas or it might not be creative enough because even when you say get more creative; maybe do it better it doesn’t give you anything more creative because it goes and churns the same content over and over again and I don’t think creativity is something that is yet to, it follows certain set patterns and that’s how it can generate the content.    And two, there is this classic case of a law firm that actually presented certain AI generated or a ChatGPT kind of references in a legal case where there was a case against an airline called Avianca which operates out of Colombia where there was a personal injury for a person. He had filed a lawsuit against the airline and the law firm representing the client had filed references to cases which happened to be churned out of ChatGPT. And what happened was the opposition lawyers actually found out that those cases never existed which means ChatGPT and such AI tools are actually now starting to create content, create references which do not exist. Which means it becomes a case where you are relying on certain information as being true, authentic but it is not true.    So, AI has been built with some loose building blocks where it is supposed to function in a certain way, but you have actually no control over its output at the moment. Nobody can predict what is the result. Not even the engineers who built Bard or built ChatGPT can actually predict what the response will be in a particular situation. That comes to the ethics of doing things through AI. So yes, it can automate things. It can make it faster in some ways. But I think human intervention is still required on any kind of work.    You can ask the AI to give you certain data, it can probably crawl and give you certain information and data points, but it still becomes your duty and responsibility to check whether those data points are authentic, true and can be trusted. So that’s where I think we have slowly started getting requests from our clients saying “hey, use ChatGPT, but then ensure I’m on the safe side. Ensure you do your due diligence and ensure data that is being brought out is authentic and can be used.” So these are small businesses that are taking our help to build up websites, to put up content, to publish flyers, to maybe collect data on market research. Use these tools but use it very judiciously.    So, we are actually getting down to training our staff on how to use these AI tools very judiciously and ensure that our clients are being protected in every manner. So things will change, it will morph over the next five years but I feel that human intervention will still be required and the human touch and empathy can never ever be replaced. And that’s where virtual assistance with humans makes a world of difference.    GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up

AI vs. Human Virtual Assistants: Why Empathy and Creativity Still Matters? Read More »

In a recent conversation with Kane Lam from Checksub, Sunder. P (CEO, GetFriday) shared insights on how the rise of AI is reshaping the world of virtual assistant services, highlighting both the benefits and limitations of these technological advancements. While AI (ChatGPT or Gemini (formerly Bard) have streamlined tasks like scheduling and content generation, it lacks the empathy and creativity that only humans can provide. As businesses increasingly adopt AI tools, the irreplaceable human touch in virtual assistance remains crucial for delivering personalized support and ensuring trustworthiness in data and content. The future of virtual assistance lies in blending AI’s efficiency with the value of human empathy, diligence and care.  (Kane Lam in Conversation with Sunder P, GetFriday) Video Transcript (Kane Lam Conversation with Sunder P, GetFriday)   Kane Lam (Checksub): How is AI impacting your business? How is AI impacting virtual assistance?    Sunder (GetFriday): Virtual assistance has come a long way over the last 20 years. There are a lot of things that we used to do that we don’t currently do because there are specialized services on the internet that can accomplish this. A lot of appointment scheduling, for example, calendly is there, you just send you open your calendar and I can fix an appointment. I don’t need anybody to actually do it on my behalf physically. So there are a lot of options that have come up which changes the dynamics of the services that we offer but I still feel that a human touch and there are certain things that cannot be substituted yet by artificial intelligence or any kind of machine learning or any kind of robot that can substitute a human person. So there is also in terms of virtual assistance and human support; there is a certain level of empathy that you display. You empathize, you are having a bad day at work and I am your assistant, I also understand that you are having a bad day at work. So I sort of adjust the way I converse, the way I ask for work or the way I ask you. There are days when you will really be excited and I might also share the same enthusiasm you don’t get that with AI. So working with a human person is totally different. But the range of tasks that have been coming in, like for example, AI has probably wiped out a lot of content writers because anybody can just go to Chat GPT or Bard (now Gemini) and say, “Hey, write me a short article on this subject but the problem there is that it will probably churn out exact replicas or it might not be creative enough because even when you say get more creative; maybe do it better it doesn’t give you anything more creative because it goes and churns the same content over and over again and I don’t think creativity is something that is yet to, it follows certain set patterns and that’s how it can generate the content.    And two, there is this classic case of a law firm that actually presented certain AI generated or a ChatGPT kind of references in a legal case where there was a case against an airline called Avianca which operates out of Colombia where there was a personal injury for a person. He had filed a lawsuit against the airline and the law firm representing the client had filed references to cases which happened to be churned out of ChatGPT. And what happened was the opposition lawyers actually found out that those cases never existed which means ChatGPT and such AI tools are actually now starting to create content, create references which do not exist. Which means it becomes a case where you are relying on certain information as being true, authentic but it is not true.    So, AI has been built with some loose building blocks where it is supposed to function in a certain way, but you have actually no control over its output at the moment. Nobody can predict what is the result. Not even the engineers who built Bard or built ChatGPT can actually predict what the response will be in a particular situation. That comes to the ethics of doing things through AI. So yes, it can automate things. It can make it faster in some ways. But I think human intervention is still required on any kind of work.    You can ask the AI to give you certain data, it can probably crawl and give you certain information and data points, but it still becomes your duty and responsibility to check whether those data points are authentic, true and can be trusted. So that’s where I think we have slowly started getting requests from our clients saying “hey, use ChatGPT, but then ensure I’m on the safe side. Ensure you do your due diligence and ensure data that is being brought out is authentic and can be used.” So these are small businesses that are taking our help to build up websites, to put up content, to publish flyers, to maybe collect data on market research. Use these tools but use it very judiciously.    So, we are actually getting down to training our staff on how to use these AI tools very judiciously and ensure that our clients are being protected in every manner. So things will change, it will morph over the next five years but I feel that human intervention will still be required and the human touch and empathy can never ever be replaced. And that’s where virtual assistance with humans makes a world of difference.    GetFriday (earlier YMII or YourManInIndia) is a service that was featured and used in the NYTimes best-selling productivity and lifestyle design book ‘The 4-Hour-Workweek’ by Timothy Ferris. Contact Us: https://www.getfriday.com/contact-us Sign Up: https://www.getfriday.com/sign-up